Agricultural field preparation device

ABSTRACT

An agricultural device associated with reduced tillage techniques in a field includes a frame and a separator supported by the frame. The separator is configured to form a strip of exposed soil in residual plant matter in the field. A crimping device associated with the separator is configured to at least partially crush stems of residual plant matter while maintaining the strip.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/280,640, filed Feb. 20, 2019, and titled “Agricultural FieldPreparation Device,” which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/332,984, filed Oct. 24, 2016, and titled “Agricultural FieldPreparation Device,” now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,251,324, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/073,610, filed Nov.6, 2013, and titled “A Crimping Device For Agricultural FieldPreparation,” now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,504,198, which iscontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/526,714, filed Jun.19, 2012, and titled “Agricultural Field Preparation Device,” now issuedas U.S. Pat. No. 9,271,437, which claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/503,802, filed on Jul. 1, 2011, and titled“Agricultural Field Preparation Device,” each of which is incorporatedby reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure is generally directed to agricultural devices,and is more particularly directed to an agricultural device configuredto prepare a field, such as planting, within mature crops.

BACKGROUND

“No till” farming has recently gained popularity among conservationistsand economically minded farmers as a way to reduce erosion, fuelconsumption, irrigation and fertilizer runoff. The “no till” conceptremoves the step of tilling a previous crop prior to planting the nextsuccessive crop. In the past, this concept has been applied to nottilling between the stubble from a previous crop prior to planting thenext successive crop.

What is needed is a method and system for performing several operationsin the field consistent with “no-till” or reduced tillage farming, suchas seeding between rows of standing cover crops, which cover crops beingplanted after harvest of a primary crop.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In an exemplary embodiment, an agricultural device is disclosed that isconfigured for performing several operations in the field consistentwith “no-till” or reduced tillage farming.

According to one embodiment, an agricultural device associated withreduced tillage techniques in a field includes a frame, and a separatorsupported by the frame. The separator is configured to form a strip ofexposed soil in residual plant matter in the field. A crimping device isassociated with the separator, the device configured to at leastpartially crush stems of residual plant matter while maintaining thestrip.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anagricultural planter usable with reduced tillage techniques in a fieldincludes an apparatus having a frame for positioning seed in the field.A separator supported by the frame, the separator is configured to forma strip of exposed soil in residual plant matter in the field. Acrimping device associated with the separator, the device is configuredto at least partially crush stems of residual plant matter whilemaintaining the strip for receiving seed from the apparatus.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method forachieving reduced tillage techniques in a field includes forming a stripof exposed soil in residual plant matter in the field. The methodfurther includes at least partially crushing stems of residual plantmatter while maintaining the strip, wherein forming a strip and crushingstems are achieved in a single pass along the field.

An advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a device associatedwith reduced tillage techniques in the field.

Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparentfrom the following more detailed description of the preferredembodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings whichillustrate, by way of example, the principles of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an upper perspective view of an agricultural deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged, partial perspective view of the agriculturaldevice according to an embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows an enlarged, partial perspective view of the agriculturaldevice according to an embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a reverse, partial perspective view of the agriculturaldevice according to an embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows a partial upper perspective view of the agricultural deviceaccording to an embodiment of FIG. 1 in a raised position.

FIG. 6 shows a partial upper perspective view of the agricultural deviceaccording to an embodiment of FIG. 1 in a lowered position.

FIGS. 7-9 show views of the agricultural device according to anembodiment of FIG. 3 in incremental progression, respectively, of thedevice encountering standing residual plant matter, immediately afterthe device has encountered residual plant matter, and a forward lookingview primarily showing the substantially crushed residual plant matter apredetermined time after the device has encountered the residual plantmatter.

FIG. 10 shows a swath resulting from a single pass of the agriculturaldevice through a field containing standing residual plant matter.

FIG. 11 shows an upper perspective view of an agricultural deviceaccording to an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure.

Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughoutthe drawings to represent the same parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodimentsof the disclosure are shown. This disclosure may, however, be embodiedin many different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully conveythe scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an agricultural device 10 according to thepresent disclosure in operation in a field 11. The agricultural device10 includes a frame 12 that further includes a base frame 14 and asecondary frame 16. A seed container 18 is supported by frame 12. Asfurther shown, frame 12 includes components associated with aconventional planter. However, the frame is not limited to a planter,and may be incorporated into a different agricultural implement ordevice, such as a strip tilling machine, e.g., to crush cornstalks orother residue during the fall or other time of year for clearing a stripfor the next crop, or use with other types of machines or applications.It is to be understood while other machines or apparatus may also beoperatively connected to the agricultural device or to a vehicle, suchas a tractor or apparatus generally or specifically configured for usewith the agricultural device, the other machines or apparatus may or maynot be used in combination with the agricultural device. As shown,agricultural device 10 includes a tongue 20 that is towed by a vehiclesuch as a tractor (not shown). In one embodiment, the agriculturaldevice may be operatively connected, i.e., towed by or otherwise securedto a vehicle, such as a tractor or apparatus generally or specificallyconfigured for use with the agricultural device, and may be used withanother implement or application, or used without another implement. Inother words, the agricultural device may be operatively connected toeither an implement or to a vehicle, although the agricultural devicemay be used by itself or in combination with another implement. Frame 12is shown supporting a vessel 22 configured to contain a material toapply to the field, or for purposes of providing ballast for desiredoperation of device 10. A hydraulic fluid manifold 24 is associated withother components utilized to manipulate a separator 32 in a crimpingdevice 35, as will be discussed in additional detail below.

FIG. 1 further shows numerous (six) separators 32 encountering residualplant matter 28, such as a small grain cover crop, which can include,but is not limited to, barley, wheat, oats, spelts, or rye. In anotherembodiment clover may be planted. In yet another embodiment, weeds canbe planted. In another embodiment, agricultural device 10 may utilizemore than six separators or less than six separators. Each separator 32forms a strip 26 of exposed soil in the residual plant matter 28.Immediately after encountering separators 32, the residual plant matter28 encounters a crimping device 35 that is configured to at leastpartially crush stems of the residual plant matter 28, while maintainingeach strip 26 formed by a corresponding separator 32. That is, asfurther shown in FIG. 1, a region of crushed residual plant matter 30remaining after a single pass of agricultural device 10 maintains, ordoes not “cover up” with the crushed residual plant matter 30, theexposed strips 26 initially formed by separators 32. Since strip 26 ismaintained by a corresponding separator 32, the positioning of crimpingdevices 35 relative to corresponding separators 32 does not affect theoperation of agricultural device 10. Therefore, in another embodiment,one or more of crimping devices 35 may be positioned to encounter theresidual plant matter prior to corresponding separators 32 encounteringthe residual plant matter.

The cover crops shown in FIG. 1, are typically planted after the primarycrop has been harvested, such as corn, in order to reduce compaction ofthe soil. The type of field preparation shown in FIG. 1 occurringsimultaneously with crushing of the residual plant matter 30 or covercrop is planting of a primary crop, such as corn. However, theagricultural device of the present disclosure is not limited toplanting, and may include spreading fertilizer or other type of fieldpreparation associated with “no-till” or other types of reduced tillagetechniques, such as strip-tilling, if desired.

Multiple benefits may be derived by the combination of the separator 32used in combination with crimping device 35 of the agricultural deviceof the present disclosure. For example, FIG. 1 shows the capability ofplanting a primary crop in a single pass in each of the strips 26,despite the presence of a standing or established growth of residualplant matter 28 in the field. Additionally, due to exposing the strips26, at least partially crushing stems of the residual plant matter 28,the agricultural device 10, such as a conventional planter, which iswell known and will not be discussed in further detail herein, depositsseed of the primary crop in the strips 26, and also covers the crop seedin the strips 26. Each of the above-identified actions (separating theresidual plant matter 28 or cover crop, crushing stems of the residualplant matter 28, and planting seeds (which includes opening a trench,positioning the crop seed in the trough, and then closing the trough tocover the seed) all occur within the same pass of the agriculturaldevice.

Further, crimping device 35, when adjusted properly, the capability ofwhich adjustment will be discussed in further detail below, the crushedresidual plant matter 30 provides numerous benefits. First, the crushedresidual plant matter 30 is effectively terminated or destroyed andremains in contact or in close proximity with the surface of the soil,returning nutrients to the soil, such as nitrogen, and thereby reducingthe amount of fertilizer that must be subsequently applied to grow theprimary crop. Second, the crushed residual plant matter 30 remaining incontact with or in close proximity with the surface of the soil helpsmaintain moisture in the soil. It has been shown that such increasedmoisture retention directly results in an increased yield of the primarycrop. Third, by virtue of the crushed residual plant matter 30 remainingin contact or in close proximity with the surface of the soil, a toxinis released. The particulars of such toxin release are known to thoseskilled in the art and not further discussed herein. However, as aresult of such toxin release, and not merely the presence of a layer ofcrushed residual plant matter blocking sunlight from reaching the soilsurface between the strips 26, weed growth is substantially diminishedwithout application of herbicides, although in some applications orenvironments, a reduced amount of herbicide may be applied. Fourth, thepresence of the residual plant matter 28 or cover crop, by virtue of theroot mass of the residual plant matter 28, significantly reduces soilerosion that would otherwise occur without such ground cover afterharvest of the primary crop.

FIGS. 2-5 show additional details of separator 32 in crimping device 35.Multiple structural members are supported by frame 12, which includesbase frame 14 and secondary frame 16 as previously discussed. As furthershown in the figures, one side of the agricultural device includes threesets of structural members to be discussed below. A structural member 64includes a pivotable connection 66 at one end to frame 12, and apivotable connection 68 with a structural member 70 at the other end ofstructural member 64. Similarly, structural member 70 includes pivotableconnection 68 with structural member 64 at one end, and a pivotableconnection 76 with a structural member 78 at the other end of structuralmember 70. An adjustment member 74, such as a threaded rod, is securedbetween structural member 70 and adjustable sleeve 72, which relativeadjustable movement between structural member 70 and adjustable sleeve72 being achieved by manipulation of fasteners 75 (FIG. 3). As furthershown in the figures, stabilizers 90 extend through the walls ofadjustable sleeve 72 toward the surface of structural member 70. By thestabilizers 90 extending through the walls of adjustable sleeve 72toward structural member 70, the spacing, and therefore, relativemovement between the walls of adjustable sleeve 72 and structural member70 is achieved. The reduction of such relative movement 70 similarlyreduces movement of separator 32 (which is affixed to adjustable sleeve72) with respect to the agricultural device during operation of theagricultural device, such movement sometimes referred to as “wobble”. Inaddition, a structural member 78 includes pivotable connection 76 at oneend to structural member 70, and a pivotable connection 80 with frame12. In other words, structural members 64, 70, 78 form an interconnectedpivotably movable framework, sometimes referred to as a four barmechanism. It is to be understood that other linkage configurationscould also be used to achieve similar motions concerning the framecomponents.

As shown in the figures, to control the collective orientation ofinterconnected structural members 64, 70, 78 to frame 12, a hydraulicram 82 includes a pivotable connection 67 at one end with frame 12, anda pivotable connection 88 with structural member 78 at the other end ofhydraulic ram 82. Interconnected fluid lines 84 are provided to eachhydraulic ram 82 from a source of hydraulic pressure (not shown) tomaintain an equal pressure and therefore equal force as applied by eachhydraulic ram 82. A return member 86, such as one or more helicalsprings, is secured at one end to secondary frame 16, and to structuralmember 78 at the other end of the return member 86. Since return member86 is positioned to oppose the extension force applied by hydraulic ram82, when the force applied by a hydraulic ram 82 is less than theretention force applied by the return member 86, the effective length ofreturn member 86 is shortened, urging pivotable rotation of structuralmembers 64, 70, 78 about corresponding pivotable connections 66 and 80.Stated another way, FIG. 5 shows the force interaction between returnmember 86 and hydraulic ram 82, resulting in a raised position 92 ormovement in a rotational direction 94 of structural members 64, 70, 78in response to the retention force of return member 86 exceeding theextension force applied by hydraulic ram 82. Conversely, FIG. 6 showsthe force interaction between return member 86 and hydraulic ram 82,resulting in a lowered position 93 or movement in a rotational direction96 of structural members 64, 70, 78 in response to the retention forceof return member 86 being less than and overcome by the extension forceapplied by hydraulic ram 82.

By virtue of equal forces being maintained in the hydraulic rams 82, anamount of flexibility results in response to the agricultural deviceencountering uneven terrain. That is, in response to a portion of theagricultural device encountering a non-uniform region in the field, suchas a protrusion, portions or segments of the crimping device 35, whichcollectively bears a variable portion of the weight of the device inproportion to the position or length of the hydraulic ram 82, whichweight being applied to the soil (or residual plant matter growing outof the soil), shift position in response to portions or segments of thecrimping device 35 being subjected to a temporary increase inresistance, because each portion or segment of the crimping device 35maintains a constant force in comparison with each other. In otherwords, a portion or segment of the crimping device 35 receiving anincrease in resistance will raise with respect to other portions orsegments of the crimping device 35, in order to maintain the constantforce applied by the hydraulic rams 82. However in an alternateembodiment, different portions or segments of the crimping device can beconfigured to generate different amounts of force from one another.

Another aspect of the disclosure is that the hydraulic pressure isadjustable by the user, permitting reduced or increased forces to beapplied by the hydraulic ram 82, which force variations can change theapplication of use of the crimping devices and the separator. That is,it may be desirable to make a pass over the crop row after fertilizer,such as manure or other type of fertilizer has been applied by afertilizing device. For example, breaking larger clumps of manure intosmaller pieces requires a significantly reduced amount of force than forother applications, such as planting seeds and crushing residual plantmatter.

It is to be understood that in other embodiments, orientation control ofthe interconnected structural members may be effected by devices otherthan hydraulic rams, such as pneumatically or electrically poweredactuators. Returning to FIGS. 2-5, separator 32 includes a pair of disks34, 40 extending from the front of the agricultural device. As furthershown in the figures, disks 34, 40 are urged into respective rotationalmovement when brought into contact with the ground or sufficiently closecontact with the ground and in contact with the residual plant matter 28(FIG. 1). Disks 34, 40 rotate about respective axes of rotation 36, 42that may be substantially perpendicular to each other, and angled withrespect to a travel direction 48 of the agricultural device. As furthershown in FIG. 3, separator 32 includes a base structure 100 defining atriangle having an apex 106 and edges 102, 104 extending from apex 106.Travel direction 48 of the agricultural device bisects the angle formedbetween edges 102, 104 of base structure 100. That is, deviation angle110, also sometimes referred to as “twist” or yaw, is measured byrotating about a vertical axis 108 between travel direction 48 and edge104, which deviation angle 110 corresponds to disk 34. Similarly,deviation angle 111, which is measured by rotating vertical axis 108between travel direction 48 and edge 102, corresponds to the deviationangle for disk 40. As shown, deviation angles 110, 111 are equal and areabout 30 degrees. In another embodiment, the deviation angles are notequal to each other. In other embodiments, deviation angles could rangefrom about 10 degrees to about 35 degrees.

As further shown FIG. 3, separator 32 includes a plate structure 112through which axis of rotation 36 is formed to permit rotation of disk34. A tilt angle 116 for disk 34 is measured by rotating about edge 104from a vertical axis 114 to plate structure 112. As shown in FIG. 3,tilt angle 116 is about 25 degrees. As shown in the figures, the tiltangles for the disk pairs 34, 40 are equal to each other. In anotherembodiment, the tilt angles are not equal to each other. In otherembodiments, tilt angles could range from zero to about 35 degrees.

It is to be understood that either of the disk pairs of the separatorcan include any combination of deviation angle and tilt angle, achievinga resulting compound angle.

In response to disks 34, 40 being brought into contact with the groundand/or in contact with the residual plant matter 28, peripheral surfacefeatures 38, such as teeth for disk 34 and peripheral surface features44, such as teeth for disk 40 are urged into respective rotationalmovement 50, 52. As shown, peripheral surface features 38, 44 or teethare angled toward frame 12, or away from the direction of rotationalmovement, for at least purposes of minimizing “tangling” withencountered residual plant matter. Stated another way by analogy, theorientation of surface features 44 or teeth in operation with theagricultural device would be similar to reversing the direction ofrotation of a saw blade, such as for a circular saw or table saw,resulting in an absence of the blades “biting” into the material beingcut. As further shown FIG. 2, disks 34, 40 have an overlap 46 orientedsubstantially transverse to travel direction 48, to ensure that a strip26 of exposed soil (FIG. 1) results during forward movement of theagricultural device. During operation of the agricultural device, theeffect of rotational movements 50, 52 by respective disks 34, 40 providea lateral or transverse “scratching effect” of respective peripheralsurface features 38, 44 with respect to travel direction 48 of theagricultural device, in order to form the exposed soil strip 26. Therelative vertical position of separator 32 with respect to crimpingdevice 35 is controllable by manipulation of adjustment member 74 aspreviously discussed. Once the relative vertical position betweenseparator 32 and adjustment member is set, the force of hydraulic rams82 can be varied to achieve the desired result and/or to adapt tovarying field conditions.

It is to be understood that the separator may include one pair of disks,or several pairs of disks having peripheral surface features that aresubstantially aligned with respect to the direction of travel of theagricultural device. However, in an alternate embodiment, the peripheralsurface features of the disks may be misaligned with respect to eachother. In yet another embodiment, the disks can be sized differently. Ina further embodiment, the disks can have different peripheral surfacefeatures, such as a smooth edge, although in yet another embodiment, atleast one edge may be nonplanar, such as a “zigzag” profile such as usedwith corrugated cardboard, or other profile. In yet a furtherembodiment, the disks can have different peripheral surface features,i.e., smooth edge versus teeth, with respect to each other. In a furtherembodiment, the disks can incorporate any combination of the aboveidentified peripheral surface feature variations.

As further shown FIGS. 2-5, operation of separator 32 is associated withcrimping device 35. That is, separator 32 initially forms exposed soilstrip 26 in residual plant matter, and crimping device 35 maintains theexposed soil strip 26 while crushing residual plant matter located toeach side of separator 32. As shown in FIG. 2 with respect to separator32, crimping device 35 includes a crimping segment 54 positioned behindand at least partially to one side of separator 32, and a crimpingsegment 58 positioned behind and at least partially to the other side ofseparator 32. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, there is an overlap betweenseparator 32 and ends of facing adjacent crimping segments 54, 58 in adirection that is transverse to the direction of travel of theagricultural vehicle. In another embodiment, separator 32 and ends offacing adjacent crimping devices 54, 58 may be positioned substantiallyflush with respect to one another in a direction that is transverse tothe direction of travel of the agricultural device. The term behind, asused herein, refers to the position of the crimping device with respectto the separator in the direction of travel of the agricultural device.

In yet another embodiment, crimping device 35 may be forward ofseparator 32, and although not shown in FIG. 2, but similar with respectto the previously discussed arrangement in which crimping device 35 isbehind separator 32, there can also be an overlap between separator 32and ends of facing adjacent crimping segments 54, 58 in a direction thatis transverse to the direction of travel of the agricultural vehicle. Inanother embodiment in which crimping device 35 is forward of separator32, separator 32 and ends of facing adjacent crimping devices 54, 58 maybe substantially flush with respect to one another in a direction thatis transverse to the direction of travel of the agricultural device. Theterm forward, as used herein, refers to the position of the crimpingdevice with respect to the separator in the direction of travel of theagricultural device.

In another embodiment, it may be possible for crimping segments 54, 58to crush residual plant matter without the presence of surface featuresformed in a crimping segments, i.e., crimping segments 54, 58 beingsubstantially cylindrically shaped and with substantially smoothsurfaces, although as further shown in FIG. 2, crimping segment 54include numerous protrusions 56 outwardly extending from the peripheralsurface of crimping segment 54, and crimping segment 58 includesnumerous protrusions 60 outwardly extending from the peripheral surfaceof crimping segment 58. By virtue of protrusions 56, 60 formed on theperipheral surfaces of respective crimping segments 54, 58, such as bywelding or using mechanical fasteners to secure strips of material alongthe surfaces of the crimping segments, the amount of force required tocrush residual plant matter is reduced, due to the reduction of surfacearea of the contact surfaces of the crimping segments and residual plantmatter. In another embodiment, protrusions 56, 60 may be integrallyformed from a single piece of material for respective crimping devices54, 58, such as by machining, the crimping segments having a unitaryconstruction. Further, by forming helical protrusions 56, 60 in therespective crimping devices 54, 58, the amount of force required tocrush residual plant matter is yet further reduced over a constructionin which protrusions 56, 60 are straight and maintained perpendicular tothe direction of travel of the agricultural device, i.e., such as asplined configuration. This reduction in force is due to the reductionof surface area along a line tangent with protrusions 56, 60 andtransverse to the direction of travel of the agricultural device. Theforce applied to crush the residual plant matter is controlled byhydraulic rams 82 selectably rotating the interconnected member 64, 70,78 downwardly, which ultimately controls the proportion of the weight ofthe agricultural device that is applied to crimping device 35.

In one embodiment, the protrusions 56, 60 of respective crimpingsegments 54, 58, as well as the other crimping segments that comprisecrimping device 35 may utilize opposed helical arrangements, even on thesame crimping segment, such as resembling a chevron arrangement. Inanother embodiment, the profile of the protrusions may differ from ahelical pattern, and in a further embodiment, the profiles of theprotrusions may differ from each other. In another embodiment thedistance the protrusions extend from a surface of crimping segments canvary, and in a further embodiment, the distance can vary for the samecrimping segment.

It is to be appreciated that the agricultural device of the presentdisclosure (primarily adjacent separators 32 and crimping devices 35)can be configured to accommodate different crop row widths, includingsmall grain crops such as soybeans. That is, the separators and crimpingdevices can be reduced in size and/or staggered relative to one anotherin the direction of travel of the device such that 15 inch row widths,or potentially, row widths less than one half of 15 inch row widthscould be achieved.

FIGS. 7-10 show incremental engagement of the agricultural device withstanding residual plant matter 28 in a travel direction 98, with theresidual plant matter 28 becoming crushed residual plant matter 30 afterengagement with the agricultural device. As further shown in FIGS. 9-10,crushed residual plant matter 30 include multiple (in this instance,six) exposed soil strips 26, providing at least the benefits asdiscussed above.

FIG. 11 shows an upper perspective view of an alternate embodiment ofthe agricultural apparatus or device, including a separator 132 acrimping device 135 and a positioner for an applicator 172. Separator132 includes a pair of disks 134, 140 such as previously discussed.Separator 132 includes a shield or deflector 142 extending at leastpartially laterally surrounding separator 132. Deflector 142 includesdeflector members 144, 146 joined at a forward juncture 148 at one endof deflector members 144, 146 and extending substantially laterally andoutwardly from forward juncture 148 to respective cantilevered portions150 at opposed ends of the deflector members 144, 146. As further shownin FIG. 11, forward juncture 148 is formed into a point. In oneembodiment, forward juncture 148 may form a corner or region of reducedwidth. Near forward juncture 148, deflector members 144, 146 are securedto structure supporting separator 132. However, as deflector members144, 146 extend away from forward juncture 148, the deflector membersare unsupported, i.e., cantilevered, with respect to the region nearforward juncture 148, in order to avoid contact with disks 134, 140which typically rotate during operation of the agricultural device. Inone embodiment, a supporting member (not shown) may be secured to atleast one of deflector members 144, 146 along cantilevered portion 150and another structural member, such as adjustable sleeve 72 or the otherdeflector member.

As further shown in FIG. 11, forward juncture 148 of deflector members144, 146 are positioned at a vertical spacing 152 above the groundsurface. In one embodiment, deflector members 144, 146 are positionedsubstantially parallel to the ground surface (assuming the groundsurface is substantially flat). However, in another embodiment, at leastone of deflector members 144, 146 may be positioned in a non-horizontalarrangement. In one embodiment, vertical spacing 152 may result indeflector members 144, 146 being located at or near the axis of rotationof at least one of disks 134, 140 (similar to axis 42 as shown in FIG.2). In other embodiments, vertical spacing 152 may be positionedvertically above or vertically below the axis of rotation of either ofdisks 134, 140. As further shown in FIG. 11, cantilevered portions 150of deflector members 144, 146 extend to substantially laterallysurrounded disks 134, 140, and are spaced apart from respective disks134, 140 so as to minimize, if not eliminate plant matter from beingtrapped between respective disks and deflector members. It is to beunderstood that the spacing between respective disks and deflectormembers may vary, depending upon the plant matter, different operatingconditions, including, but not limited to, the type and size of plantmatter encountered, moisture content, travel speed of the agriculturaldevice, field terrain and the like.

Although deflector members 144, 146 are shown as substantially straight,in other embodiments the deflector members 144, 146 may have a nonlinearprofile. In another embodiment, the lengths of respective deflectormembers may be different from each other, and in a further embodiment,the length of at least one deflector member may not extend to laterallysurrounded disks. In yet another embodiment, the end of at least onedeflector member opposite forward juncture 148 terminates at or near theaxis of rotation of the disks. In a further embodiment, the end of atleast one deflector member positioned opposite forward juncture 148terminates forward of the axis of rotation of the respective disk(s). Asfurther shown FIG. 11, deflector members 144, 146 are comprised of barstock, providing a sufficiently blunt contact surface with plant mattersuch that the plant matter is deflected and not severed along the regionof contact between the plant matter and the deflector members. In otherembodiments, deflector members 144, 146 may be defined bycross-sectional profiles perpendicular to the axial length of thedeflector members other than a circular profile, including planar ornon-planar plates, L-brackets or other shapes lacking a sufficientlysharpened edge that would normally sever plant matter during operationof the agricultural device. In another embodiment, the profile ofdeflector members 144, 146 may be different from each other.

As further shown in FIG. 11, a portion crimping device 135 includescrimping segment 154 that is adjacent to crimping segment 158 andassociated with separator 132 in a manner similar to that previouslydiscussed. Crimping segment 154 includes a plurality of protrusions156A, 156B outwardly extending from the peripheral surface of crimpingsegment 154 along opposite sides of separator 132. By virtue ofprotrusions 156A, 156B and 160A, 160B formed on the peripheral surfacesof respective crimping segments 154, 158, such as by welding or usingmechanical fasteners to secure strips of material along the surfaces ofthe crimping segments, the amount of force required to crush residualplant matter is reduced, due to the reduction of surface area of thecontact surfaces of the crimping segments and residual plant matter. Asfurther shown in FIG. 11, protrusions 156A, 156B and 160A. 160B includea plurality of stepped or offset slanted protrusions in whichprotrusions 156A, 160A are basically or substantially mirror images ofrespective protrusions 156B. 160B using a plane that is perpendicular toan axis of rotation 162. In one embodiment, in which the axis ofrotation for each crimping segment 154, 158, is different from eachother, e.g., the axis of rotation of crimping segment 154 and the axisof crimping segment 158 forming a “V” shape, the protrusions of therespective crimping segments are substantially mirror images about aplane centrally positioned between crimping segments 154, 158 andcoincident with travel direction 48 (FIG. 2). Stated another way,protrusions 156A, 156B may resemble a rear tractor tire tread, and mayinclude an overlap 157 of facing ends of the protrusions that arepositioned at or near a middle region of respective crimping segments154, 158. By virtue of protrusions 156A, 156B and 160A, 160B having anopposed slanted arrangement, and more specifically having the opposedslanted arrangement associated with each side of separator 132, plantmatter that is contacted and at least partially crushed by protrusions156A, 156B, and 160A, 160B. In an alternate embodiment, respectiveprotrusions 156A, 156B and 160A, 160B may resemble a discontinuouschevron. That is, opposed protrusions 156A, 156B and 160A, 160B wouldnot intersect in the middle of respective crimping segments 154, 158,i.e., would not form an intersection point.

FIG. 11 further shows positioner 170 for an applicator 172 forselectable control of a liquid, such as fertilizer, or water from asource (not shown) associated with the agricultural device. Applicator172 includes a tube having a first end 173 and a second end 175 oppositeof the first end. A line 174 in fluid communication with a liquid sourceis directed through first end 173 and extends toward second end 175,line 174 terminating at a nozzle 176 which permits focused applicationof the liquid from the liquid source. The position of applicator 172 ina direction transverse to the direction of travel of the agriculturaldevice may be controlled by positioner 170. That is, positioner 170includes a pair of opposed flanges 178 that are configured to slide oversecondary frame 16 of the agricultural device. Flanges 178 permitselectable transverse movement of positioner 170 along secondary frame16. A fastener 180, such as a bolt or other suitable device urgesopposed flanges 178 toward each other to secure applicator 172 in afixed position with respect to secondary frame 16.

As further shown in FIG. 11, positioner 170 includes the capability ofrotatably positioning applicator 172 between an extended position asshown in FIG. 11 and a retracted position (not shown). Positioner 170includes a pair of opposed flanges 184 having a plurality of apertures192, 194, 196 formed therethrough. A fastener 196 pivotably engages abase 186 secured at or near end 173 of applicator 172. When fastener 196is the only fastener extending through base 186, applicator 172 canrotate about an axis of rotation 200 having rotational movement 202between the extended position as shown, and a retracted position, inwhich base 186 of applicator 172 at or near end 173 is rotated toward asubstantially vertical position. In the extended position, a sleeve 188is in axial alignment with aperture 192 such that a fastener 198 may beinserted through aperture 192 and inside of sleeve 188. When fastener198 is secured through aperture 192 and inside of sleeve 188, applicator172 is prevented from rotating about axis of rotation 200 and ismaintained in the extended position as shown in FIG. 11. However, uponremoval of fastener 198, applicator 172 may be rotated about axis ofrotation 200 until sleeve 188 is in axial alignment with aperture 194.When fastener 198 is secured through aperture 194 and inside of sleeve188, applicator 172 is prevented from rotating about axis of rotation200 and is maintained in the retracted position.

While the disclosure has been described with reference to a preferredembodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Forexample, telescoping or linear devices may be hydraulically driven,and/or these devices may be driven with hydraulics, air, water, orelectricity or any combination thereof.

In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particularsituation or material to the teachings of the disclosure withoutdeparting from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intendedthat the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodimentdisclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out thisdisclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments fallingwithin the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An agricultural system associated with reducedtillage techniques in a field, the agricultural system comprising: aframe configured for attachment to a towing vehicle movable in a traveldirection in a field; one or more planter implements attached to theframe; a plurality of crimping devices flexibly attached to the frameand extending perpendicular to the travel direction in a side-by-sideconfiguration across a plurality of adjacent rows in the field, eachcrimping device of the plurality of crimping device beingcylindrically-shaped and having a peripheral surface from which aplurality of helically-formed protrusions extend outwardly, eachcrimping device of the plurality of crimping devices further having alength that extends across at least two adjacent rows of the pluralityof adjacent rows and being configured to independently roll over and atleast partially crush stems of residual plant matter with adjustabledown pressure; and a separator supported by the frame in an overlappingposition with at least one crimping device of the plurality of crimpingdevices, the separator being configured to form and maintain a strip ofexposed soil in a row of the plurality of adjacent rows, the separatorbeing positioned in a center area of the row and perpendicularly to thetravel direction.
 2. The agricultural system of claim 1, wherein theplurality of helically-formed protrusions are welded to the peripheralsurface.
 3. The agricultural system of claim 1, wherein each crimpingdevice has one end that, in response to receiving an increase in terrainresistance, raises with respect to another end for maintaining aconstant force applied to crush the stems of the residual plant matter.4. The agricultural system of claim 1, wherein each crimping device isspring-loaded with at least one compression spring.
 5. The agriculturalsystem of claim 1, wherein the at least one crimping device is locatedin a leading position relative to the separator such that the at leastone crimping device encounters the stems of the residual plant matterprior to the separator encountering the stems of the residual plantmatter.